Clone Hero has become a beloved rhythm game for fans of the iconic Guitar Hero series and beyond. Known for its customizable and flexible nature, Clone Hero allows players to integrate custom songs, creating an infinite pool of musical challenges. Whether you’re new to Clone Hero or a seasoned player looking to expand your song library, this guide covers everything you need to know about finding, adding, and organizing songs to maximize your gaming experience.
1. What is Clone Hero?
Clone Hero is a free, fan-made game that replicates the gameplay of Guitar Hero and other similar rhythm games. The game allows players to play using guitar controllers, keyboards, or even gamepads. One of the most significant advantages of Clone Hero is its customizability; unlike traditional games with fixed tracklists, Clone Hero supports custom songs, giving players access to virtually limitless content.
Developed initially as a passion project, Clone Hero has grown into a popular platform with an active community contributing custom songs, charts, mods, and tutorials. The game supports various difficulties and modes, making it suitable for both beginners and expert players seeking a challenge.
2. How to Download Clone Hero
Before diving into custom songs, it’s essential to download and set up Clone Hero. Follow these steps to get started:
- Visit the Official Clone Hero Website: Navigate to clonehero.net to find the latest version of the game.
- Download the Game: Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Extract the Game Files: Use a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the downloaded files.
- Set Up the Game Folder: Place the extracted files into a designated game folder.
- Launch Clone Hero: Open the application, and you’re ready to start playing.
3. Where to Find Clone Hero Songs
The heart of Clone Hero’s appeal lies in its vast song library. Here are some of the best sources to find custom songs:
- Custom Song Websites: Platforms such as CustomsForge and Chorus provide extensive libraries of songs and charts created by the Clone Hero community. These sites often include search features, song previews, and difficulty ratings.
- Discord Servers: Join Clone Hero-centric Discord communities where members frequently share new songs, discuss charting techniques, and participate in multiplayer sessions.
- YouTube Channels: Many chart creators showcase their work on YouTube, offering links to download their songs.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/CloneHero are excellent places to discover new charts and seek recommendations.
4. How to Add Songs to Clone Hero
Once you have downloaded custom songs, the next step is to add them to the game:
- Create a Song Folder: Inside the Clone Hero directory, create a folder named “Songs” if it doesn’t already exist.
- Organize Your Downloads: Extract the custom song files you downloaded and place each song in its subfolder within the “Songs” folder.
- Scan for Songs: Open Clone Hero and navigate to the “Settings” menu. Select “Scan Songs” to update the game’s song list.
- Verify the Song List: Head to the main menu and check the “Quick Play” section to ensure your new songs appear in the library.
5. Tips for Organizing Your Clone Hero Library
As your song library grows, keeping it organized can enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some useful tips:
- Folder Structure: Create subfolders based on genres, artists, difficulty levels, or custom playlists. This organization will make it easier to navigate your song collection.
- File Naming Conventions: Ensure each song folder has clear and consistent names, including the song title and artist.
- Back-Up Your Songs: Regularly back up your song library to an external hard drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss.
- Use Metadata Tools: Consider using tools like Chart Organizer to edit and manage metadata for better categorization.
6. Top Clone Hero Songs to Try
While the best songs for Clone Hero often depend on personal taste and skill level, here are some popular recommendations to get you started:
- “Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce: The iconic challenge from Guitar Hero III remains a fan favorite for expert players.
- “Cliffs of Dover” by Eric Johnson: This track offers a delightful mix of technical prowess and melodic enjoyment.
- Custom Medleys: Look for medleys that combine multiple songs from your favorite bands, providing a comprehensive and entertaining experience.
- TV and Movie Themes: For a fun change of pace, try charted versions of popular TV shows and movie themes.
- Community Charts: Explore unique songs charted by community members that showcase new and original music.
7. How to Create Your Own Custom Songs
If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own custom songs for Clone Hero. The process involves charting, which refers to mapping out the note patterns for a song. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Choose Charting Software: Popular programs like Moonscraper Chart Editor are user-friendly and designed specifically for Clone Hero charting.
- Import Your Song: Load your chosen song into the software.
- Set the BPM (Beats Per Minute): Adjust the BPM to match the song’s tempo accurately.
- Chart the Notes: Use the software tools to place notes on the correct beats. Aim for a balance between fun and challenge.
- Test and Adjust: After completing the initial chart, playtest it to ensure accuracy and fun gameplay.
- Export the Chart: Save your chart and package it with the song file in a folder to upload or add to your library.
8. Multiplayer and Online Play
One of Clone Hero’s standout features is its support for multiplayer modes. Here’s how to set it up:
- Local Multiplayer: Connect multiple controllers and assign them to different players in the “Controls” menu.
- Online Play: Join a Discord server with online Clone Hero sessions or use platforms that support remote multiplayer. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and the same song library as other players to avoid compatibility issues.
9. Popular Clone Hero Mods and Enhancements
Clone Hero can be further enhanced with various mods and add-ons. Here are some worth exploring:
- Custom Themes: Change the game’s aesthetic with downloadable themes that modify menus and note highways.
- Practice Tools: Use features like adjustable speed and note-by-note practice to refine your skills on challenging sections.
- Background Videos: Add dynamic video backgrounds for a more immersive experience.
10. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Players sometimes encounter issues with Clone Hero, but most problems can be resolved with these solutions:
- Songs Not Appearing: Double-check the file structure and ensure each song is in its subfolder.
- Game Freezes or Lags: Reduce video settings or close background applications to optimize performance.
- Controller Not Detected: Reconfigure the controls in the “Settings” menu and ensure the device drivers are up to date.
Conclusion
Clone Hero offers a versatile and enjoyable platform for rhythm game enthusiasts, amplified by its customizable song library. Whether you’re adding popular tracks, charting your own songs, or diving into online multiplayer, there’s always a new way to enhance your experience. By following the guidance above, you’ll be well on your way to building an impressive song collection and mastering new challenges.
FAQs
1. How do I download songs for Clone Hero? You can find songs on websites like CustomsForge, Chorus, and through community Discord servers. Download the songs, extract them, and place them into your Clone Hero “Songs” folder.
2. Why are my custom songs not showing up in Clone Hero? Ensure that the song files are correctly organized into subfolders within the “Songs” directory and that you have scanned for new songs in the “Settings” menu.
3. What tools can I use to create my own Clone Hero charts? Moonscraper Chart Editor is a popular and user-friendly tool for charting custom songs for Clone Hero.
4. Can I play Clone Hero with friends online? Yes, Clone Hero supports both local and online multiplayer modes. Joining community Discord servers and ensuring you have the same song library can facilitate smooth online play.
5. Are there mods available for Clone Hero? Yes, there are various mods and enhancements, including custom themes, practice tools, and background videos to enrich your gameplay.
6. What should I do if my controller isn’t working with Clone Hero? Make sure your controller is properly configured in the “Settings” menu and that any necessary drivers are
